Pepper hybrid ps09967422

ABSTRACT

The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Appl. Ser. No. 61/422,105, filed Dec. 10, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding and, more specifically, to the development of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and the inbred pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The goal of vegetable breeding is to combine various desirable traits in a single variety/hybrid. Such desirable traits may include any trait deemed beneficial by a grower and/or consumer, including greater yield, resistance to insects or disease, tolerance to environmental stress, and nutritional value.

Breeding techniques take advantage of a plant's method of pollination. There are two general methods of pollination: a plant self-pollinates if pollen from one flower is transferred to the same or another flower of the same plant or plant variety. A plant cross-pollinates if pollen comes to it from a flower of a different plant variety.

Plants that have been self-pollinated and selected for type over many generations become homozygous at almost all gene loci and produce a uniform population of true breeding progeny, a homozygous plant. A cross between two such homozygous plants of different genotypes produces a uniform population of hybrid plants that are heterozygous for many gene loci. Conversely, a cross of two plants each heterozygous at a number of loci produces a population of hybrid plants that differ genetically and are not uniform. The resulting non-uniformity makes performance unpredictable.

The development of uniform varieties requires the development of homozygous inbred plants, the crossing of these inbred plants, and the evaluation of the crosses. Pedigree breeding and recurrent selection are examples of breeding methods that have been used to develop inbred plants from breeding populations. Those breeding methods combine the genetic backgrounds from two or more plants or various other broad-based sources into breeding pools from which new lines and hybrids derived therefrom are developed by selfing and selection of desired phenotypes. The new lines and hybrids are evaluated to determine which of those have commercial potential.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a pepper plant of the hybrid designated PS09967422, the pepper line SMO 28-1284 or pepper line SMO 99-1312. Also provided are pepper plants having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of such a plant. Parts of these pepper plants are also provided, for example, including pollen, an ovule, scion, a rootstock, a fruit, and a cell of the plant.

In another aspect of the invention, a plant of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 comprising an added heritable trait is provided. The heritable trait may comprise a genetic locus that is, for example, a dominant or recessive allele. In one embodiment of the invention, a plant of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 is defined as comprising a single locus conversion. In specific embodiments of the invention, an added genetic locus confers one or more traits such as, for example, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, disease resistance, and modified carbohydrate metabolism. In further embodiments, the trait may be conferred by a naturally occurring gene introduced into the genome of a line by backcrossing, a natural or induced mutation, or a transgene introduced through genetic transformation techniques into the plant or a progenitor of any previous generation thereof. When introduced through transformation, a genetic locus may comprise one or more genes integrated at a single chromosomal location.

The invention also concerns the seed of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312. The pepper seed of the invention may be provided as an essentially homogeneous population of pepper seed of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312. Essentially homogeneous populations of seed are generally free from substantial numbers of other seed. Therefore, seed of hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 may be defined as forming at least about 97% of the total seed, including at least about 98%, 99% or more of the seed. The seed population may be separately grown to provide an essentially homogeneous population of pepper plants designated PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a tissue culture of regenerable cells of a pepper plant of hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 is provided. The tissue culture will preferably be capable of regenerating pepper plants capable of expressing all of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the starting plant, and of regenerating plants having substantially the same genotype as the starting plant. Examples of some of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 include those traits set forth in the tables herein. The regenerable cells in such tissue cultures may be derived, for example, from embryos, meristems, cotyledons, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, pistils, flowers, seed and stalks. Still further, the present invention provides pepper plants regenerated from a tissue culture of the invention, the plants having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, processes are provided for producing pepper seeds, plants and fruit, which processes generally comprise crossing a first parent pepper plant with a second parent pepper plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent pepper plants is a plant of pepper line SMO 28-1284 or pepper line SMO 99-1312. These processes may be further exemplified as processes for preparing hybrid pepper seed or plants, wherein a first pepper plant is crossed with a second pepper plant of a different, distinct genotype to provide a hybrid that has, as one of its parents, a plant of pepper line SMO 28-1284 or pepper line SMO 99-1312. In these processes, crossing will result in the production of seed. The seed production occurs regardless of whether the seed is collected or not.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first step in “crossing” comprises planting seeds of a first and second parent pepper plant, often in proximity so that pollination will occur for example, mediated by insect vectors. Alternatively, pollen can be transferred manually. Where the plant is self-pollinated, pollination may occur without the need for direct human intervention other than plant cultivation.

A second step may comprise cultivating or growing the seeds of first and second parent pepper plants into plants that bear flowers. A third step may comprise preventing self-pollination of the plants, such as by emasculating the flowers (i.e., killing or removing the pollen).

A fourth step for a hybrid cross may comprise cross-pollination between the first and second parent pepper plants. Yet another step comprises harvesting the seeds from at least one of the parent pepper plants. The harvested seed can be grown to produce a pepper plant or hybrid pepper plant.

The present invention also provides the pepper seeds and plants produced by a process that comprises crossing a first parent pepper plant with a second parent pepper plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent pepper plants is a plant of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312. In one embodiment of the invention, pepper seed and plants produced by the process are first generation (F₁) hybrid pepper seed and plants produced by crossing a plant in accordance with the invention with another, distinct plant. The present invention further contemplates plant parts of such an F₁ hybrid pepper plant, and methods of use thereof. Therefore, certain exemplary embodiments of the invention provide an F₁ hybrid pepper plant and seed thereof.

In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing a plant derived from hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a progeny plant derived from hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312, wherein said preparing comprises crossing a plant of the hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 with a second plant; and (b) crossing the progeny plant with itself or a second plant to produce a seed of a progeny plant of a subsequent generation. In further embodiments, the method may additionally comprise: (c) growing a progeny plant of a subsequent generation from said seed of a progeny plant of a subsequent generation and crossing the progeny plant of a subsequent generation with itself or a second plant; and repeating the steps for an additional 3-10 generations to produce a plant derived from hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312. The plant derived from hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 may be an inbred line, and the aforementioned repeated crossing steps may be defined as comprising sufficient inbreeding to produce the inbred line. In the method, it may be desirable to select particular plants resulting from step (c) for continued crossing according to steps (b) and (c). By selecting plants having one or more desirable traits, a plant derived from hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 is obtained which possesses some of the desirable traits of the line/hybrid as well as potentially other selected traits.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of producing food or feed comprising: (a) obtaining a plant of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312, wherein the plant has been cultivated to maturity, and (b) collecting at least one pepper from the plant.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, the genetic complement of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 is provided. The phrase “genetic complement” is used to refer to the aggregate of nucleotide sequences, the expression of which sequences defines the phenotype of, in the present case, a pepper plant, or a cell or tissue of that plant. A genetic complement thus represents the genetic makeup of a cell, tissue or plant, and a hybrid genetic complement represents the genetic make up of a hybrid cell, tissue or plant. The invention thus provides pepper plant cells that have a genetic complement in accordance with the pepper plant cells disclosed herein, and seeds and plants containing such cells.

Plant genetic complements may be assessed by genetic marker profiles, and by the expression of phenotypic traits that are characteristic of the expression of the genetic complement, e.g., isozyme typing profiles. It is understood that hybrid PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 could be identified by any of the many well known techniques such as, for example, Simple Sequence Length Polymorphisms (SSLPs) (Williams et al., 1990), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), Arbitrary Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) (EP 534 858, specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (Wang et al., 1998).

In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides hybrid genetic complements, as represented by pepper plant cells, tissues, plants, and seeds, formed by the combination of a haploid genetic complement of a pepper plant of the invention with a haploid genetic complement of a second pepper plant, preferably, another, distinct pepper plant. In another aspect, the present invention provides a pepper plant regenerated from a tissue culture that comprises a hybrid genetic complement of this invention.

Any embodiment discussed herein with respect to one aspect of the invention applies to other aspects of the invention as well, unless specifically noted.

The term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of the mean for the device or method being employed to determine the value. The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive. When used in conjunction with the word “comprising” or other open language in the claims, the words “a” and “an” denote “one or more,” unless specifically noted otherwise. The terms “comprise,” “have” and “include” are open-ended linking verbs. Any forms or tenses of one or more of these verbs, such as “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes” and “including,” are also open-ended. For example, any method that “comprises,” “has” or “includes” one or more steps is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps and also covers other unlisted steps. Similarly, any plant that “comprises,” “has” or “includes” one or more traits is not limited to possessing only those one or more traits and covers other unlisted traits.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and any specific examples provided, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides methods and compositions relating to plants, seeds and derivatives of pepper hybrid PS09967422, pepper line SMO 28-1284 and pepper line SMO 99-1312.

Pepper hybrid PS09967422 is a sweet bell pepper hybrid. The hybrid develops a medium-large plant. The plant produces a heavy set of green, maturing to orange, mini blocky peppers about 75 days after transplanting. This mini blocky bell pepper is a uniquely small-sized pepper with a full-sized bell shape. The three- or four-lobed fruits exhibit a slight blossom-end taper and weigh approximately 40 to 60 g. Fruit are approximately 7.0 cm long by 4.5 cm wide with length to diameter ratios between 1.3 and 1.7. The relatively thin-skinned fruit has a very sweet flavor that appears quite stable across the environments tested. Hybrid PS09967422 appears highly resistant to Races 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 Bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas euvesicatoria; Xcv), and highly resistant to Tobamovirus (P0). The hybrid is intended for open field production.

The hybrid PS09967422 is produced by the cross of parent lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312. The parent lines show uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence. By crossing the parent lines, uniform seed of hybrid PS09967422 can be obtained.

A. Origin and Breeding History of Pepper Hybrid PS09967422

The parents of hybrid PS09967422 are SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312. These parents were created as follows:

SMO 28-1284 was developed by pedigree selection from a proprietary Seminis hybrid resulting from a cross between female inbred accession “2001-2557” and the F₁ hybrid “Tinkerbell”. The accession 2001-2557 was derived from a cross between a red DNAP pepper and an orange mini pepper.

The parent 2001-2557 is a productive small pointed orange pepper with open plant architecture. The other parent, Tinkerbell, produces a glossy small blocky red pepper on an open and tall plant.

The breeding history of line SMO 28-1284 can be summarized as follows.

July, Year 1: The F₁ hybrid was made from the parents 2001-2557 and Tinkerbell, and assigned the accession number 2001-7071.

January, Year 2: Plants of the F₁ hybrid 2001-7071 were transplanted as stake 02S-191. Plant 02-S-191-4 was selected and selfed. Fruits measured about 5 cm long by 4.2 cm diameter and each weighed about 26 g. Seeds of the selection, 02S-191-4, received accession number 2002-1129.

July, Year 2: Planted the F₂ inbred line 2002-1129 as stake 02F-003. A line that produced small blocky fruit segregating for orange and red fruit was selected and allowed to self. Seeds of the selection, 02F-003-33, received accession number 2002-2357.

January, Year 3: Planted the F₃ inbred line 2002-2357 as stake 03S-008. Notes indicate a line that developed compact plants that produced small blocky orange fruit was selected and allowed to self. Fruits measured about 4.2 cm long by 4.2 cm diameter and each weighed about 26 g. Seeds of the selection, 03S-008-1, received accession number 2003-2010.

May, Year 3: Planted the F₄ inbred line 2003-2010 as stake 03F-049. A line that developed plants with low vigor that produced upright-positioned glossy small blocky orange peppers that were somewhat tapered was selected and allowed to self. Fruits measured about 5.8 cm long by 4.2 cm diameter and each weighed about 29 g. Seeds of the selection, 03F-049-1, received accession number 2003-3225.

September, Year 3: Planted the F₅ inbred line 2003-3225 as stake 03F-3095. A line that developed plants that produced upright-positioned glossy, small, blocky, orange peppers that were somewhat tapered was selected and allowed to self. Fruits measured about 5.6 cm long by 3.8 cm diameter and each weighed about 25 g. Seeds of the selection, 03F-3095-2, received accession number 2003-4587.

January, Year 4: Planted the F₆ inbred line 2003-4587 as stake 04S-114. A line that developed plants that produced upright-positioned glossy small blocky orange peppers was selected and allowed to self. Fruits measured about 6.0 cm long by 4.6 cm diameter and each weighed about 45 g. Seeds of the selection, 04S-114-1, received accession number 2004-1056.

July, Year 4: Planted the F₇ inbred line 2004-1056 as stake 04F-1810. The line developed plants that produced upright-positioned small blocky orange peppers. Fruits measured about 4.8 cm long by 4.0 cm diameter and each weighed about 27 g. The line was allowed to self. Seeds from the line were bulked and assigned the accession number 2004-3059.

January, Year 8: Accession 2004-3059 was renamed as inbred line SMO 28-1284.

SMO 28-1284 produces upright-positioned small blocky orange peppers. The peppers are approximately 5 cm long by 4 cm in diameter. Pepper line SMO 28-1284 differs from 2001-2557 because it produces blocky orange fruit while 2001-2557 produces pointed fruit. Pepper line SMO 28-1284 differs from Tinkerbell because it produces orange fruit while Tinkerbell produces red fruit.

SMO 99-1312 was developed by pedigree selection from the proprietary Seminis hybrid “SVR 9939561”. This hybrid resulted from the cross between female “SBY 99-1179” and male “2002-2947”.

The female parent SBY 99-1179 develops an anthocyaninless plant that produces a yellow, blocky-shaped fruit. SBY 99-1179 is resistant to TEV, Tm0, Xcv races 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8, and Phytophthora capsici (Pc). The male parent 2002-2947 produces a red, mini blocky-shaped fruit. 2002-2947 is resistant to TEV and segregates for resistance to the Tobamo virus (P1.2) [Tm2; L₃ gene].

The breeding history of SMO 99-1312 can be summarized as follows.

January, Year 3: The F₁ hybrid SVR 9939561 was made from the parents female SBY 99-1179 and male 2002-2947.

July, Year 3: Plants of the F₁ hybrid SVR 9939561 were transplanted into a hybrid trial as stake 03LB 09937. The line developed a small, leafy plant with good cover and produced small, soft, red fruit with little or weak flavor. It was allowed to self and the seed were massed.

January, Year 4: Planted the F₂ inbred line 03LB 09937-M as stake 04LB 01129. Individual plants were selected and allowed to self. Seed was collected from individual plants.

July, Year 4: Planted the F₃ inbred line 04LB 01129-05 as stake 04LB 07268. The line tested susceptible to Pc. Individual plants were selected and allowed to self. Seed was collected from individual plants.

January, Year 5: Planted the F₄ inbred line 04LB 07268-02 as stake 05LB 03127. The line developed a medium-large plant, with a heavy set of sweet mini orange peppers with desirable mini block shape. It was fixed resistant to Xcv races 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8. Individual plants were selected and allowed to self. Seed was collected from individual plants.

July, Year 5: Planted the F₅ inbred line 05LB 03127-04 as stake 05LB 10780. The line produced orange mini blocky fruit with very good flavor. The line tested fixed resistant to Tm0. Individual plants were selected and allowed to self. Seed was collected from individual plants.

January, Year 7: Planted the F₆ inbred line 05LB 10780-02 as stake 07LB LBGH 2324. The line developed a big plant that produces an early, heavy set of very flavorful, mini, blocky orange fruit. The line was fixed for resistance to Xcv races 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8, Tm0, and TEV. The plants were allowed to self and seed from the plot was massed.

June, Year 8: The seed of 07LB LBGH 2324-M was renamed SMO 99-1312.

SMO 99-1312 develops a big plant that produces an early, heavy set of very flavorful, mini, blocky orange fruit. The line is fixed for resistance to bacterial leaf spot races 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 caused by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (Xcv; Bs₂ gene). It is also resistant to the Tobamo virus (P0) [MA); L₁ gene] and the Tobacco etch virus (TEV; pvr2-2 gene). SMO 99-1312 differs from SBY 99-1179 because SMO 99-1312 is not anthocyaninless, produces orange fruit, and is susceptible to Pc while SBY 99-1179 is anthocyaninless, produces yellow fruit and is resistant to Pc. SMO 99-1312 differs from 2002-2947 because SMO 99-1312 produces orange fruit, is resistant to Xcv races 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 and does not possess the L₃ gene while 2002-2947 produces red fruit, is susceptible to Xcv races 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 and is segregating for the L₃ gene.

The parent lines are uniform and stable, as is a hybrid produced therefrom. A small percentage of variants can occur within commercially acceptable limits for almost any characteristic during the course of repeated multiplication. However no variants are expected.

B. Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Pepper Hybrid PS09967422, Pepper Line SMO 28-1284 and Pepper Line SMO 99-1312

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plant having the physiological and morphological characteristics of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and the parent lines thereof. A description of the physiological and morphological characteristics of such plants is presented in Tables 1-3.

TABLE 1 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Hybrid PS09967422 CHARACTERISTIC PS09967422 Early Cal Wonder 1. Species C. annuum C. annuum 2. Maturity (in region of best adaptability) days from transplanting until 57 67 mature green stage days from transplanting until 82 85 mature red or yellow stage days from direct seeding until 83 104 mature green stage days from direct seeding until 108 122 mature red or yellow stage 3. Plant habit semi-spreading compact attitude upright/erect (De upright/erect Cayenne, Doux très long des Landes, Piquant d'Algérie) plant height 34.1 cm 40.9 cm plant width 35.7 cm 47.1 cm length of stem from cotyledon 8 cm 10.7 cm to first flower length of the third internode 56.8 mm 54 mm (from soil surface) length of stem short (Delphin, Trophy) medium shortened internode (in upper present (Fehér, Kalocsai absent part) 601, Kalocsai 702) number of internodes between more than three the first flower and the (Kalocsai 702) shortened internodes (varieties with shortened internodes only) stem: hairiness of nodes absent or very weak absent or very weak (Arlequin) height tall (Century, Orias) medium basal branches none few branch flexibility rigid (Yolo Wonder) rigid stem strength (breakage weak intermediate resistance) 4. Leaf length of blade medium (Atol, Blondy, medium Marconi, Merit, Anthea) width of blade medium (Albaregia, medium Balaton, Danubia, Marconi, Merit) width 39.1 mm 60 mm length 64.2 mm 113.3 mm petiole length 22.2 mm 46 mm color dark green light green color (RHS color chart) 146A 147A intensity of green color medium (Doux très long light des Landes, Merit) mature leaf shape lanceolate (Diavolo, ovate Recio) leaf and stem pubescence absent absent undulation of margin very weak absent blistering very weak weak profile in cross section flat (De Cayenne, moderately concave Recio) glossiness medium (Alby, Eolo) medium 5. Flower peduncle: attitude semi-drooping (Blondy) erect flowers per leaf axil 1 1 calyx lobes 6 6 petals 6 6 diameter 20.1 mm 25.1 mm corolla color white white corolla throat markings yellow yellow anther color purple purple style length exceeds stamen same as stamen self-incompatibility present absent 6. Fruit group Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) color (before maturity) green (California green wonder, Lamuyo) intensity of color (before medium medium maturity) immature fruit color medium green medium green immature fruit color (RHS color 144B 137A chart) attitude/position drooping/pendent (De drooping/pendent Cayenne, Lamuyo) length short (Delphin, Petit medium carré doux) diameter narrow (Doux très long broad des Landes) ratio length/diameter small (Bucano, Topgirl) medium calyx diameter 22.9 mm 32 mm fruit length 64.7 mm 80 mm fruit diameter at calyx 43.8 mm 70 mm attachment fruit diameter at mid-point 44.8 mm 80 mm flesh thickness at mid-point 3.8 mm 6 mm average number of fruits per 22 10 plant % large fruits 8 (weight range: 50 to 50 (weight range 140 60 g) to 199 g) % medium fruits 49 (weight range: 30 to 30 (weight range 80 to 49 g) 139 g) % small fruits 43 (weight range: 10 to 20 (weight range 20 to 29 g) 79 g) average fruit weight 27.4 gm 100 gm fruit shape (longitudinal rectangular (Clovis, square section) Nocera rosso) fruit shape (cross section, at quadrangular quadrangular level of placenta) sinuation of pericarp at basal absent or very weak very weak part (Delphin, Kalocsai V-2, Milord) sinuation of pericarp excluding weak (Clovis, Sonar) very weak basal part texture of surface smooth or very slightly smooth or very wrinkled (Milord) slightly wrinkled color (at maturity) orange (Ariane) red intensity of color (at maturity) medium dark mature fruit color orange red mature fruit color (RHS color N30C 46A chart) glossiness medium/moderate medium/moderate (Carré doux extra hâtif, Lamuyo, Sonar) stalk cavity present (Bingor, absent Lamuyo) depth of stalk cavity medium (Lamuyo, Magister) pedicel length 22.7 mm 20 mm pedicel thickness 17.3 mm 6 mm pedicel shape curved curved pedicel cavity present absent depth of pedicel cavity 9.9 mm stalk: length medium (Fehér, Sonar) medium stalk: thickness medium (Doux italien, medium Surpas base shape cupped cupped shape of apex moderately depressed very depressed (Quadrato a'Asti rosso) shape Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) set scattered scattered depth of interloculary grooves shallow (Milord, medium Topgirl) number of locules predominantly four and predominantly four more (Palio, PAZ and more szentesi) % fruits with two locules  3%  0% % fruits with three locules 27% 40% % fruits with four locules 70% 60% average number of locules 4 4 thickness of flesh medium (Fehér, thick Lamuyo) calyx: aspect non-enveloping/ non-enveloping/ saucer-shaped saucer-shaped (Lamuyo, Sonar) pungency sweet sweet capsaicin in placenta absent (Sonar) absent flavor mild pepper flavor moderate glossiness moderate shiny 7. Seed seed cavity length 58.7 mm 43 mm seed cavity diameter 25.9 mm 52 mm placenta length 12.7 mm 22 mm number of seeds per fruit 245 100 grams per 1000 seeds 4.4 gm 7.5 gm color yellow yellow 8. Anthocyanin seedling hypocotyl weak moderate stem weak absent coloration of nodes weak weak intensity of coloration of nodes medium (Clovis, medium Lamuyo, Sonar) leaf absent absent pedicel absent absent calyx absent absent anther present (Lamuyo) present fruit coloration absent (Lamuyo) absent beginning of flowering (1^(st) early (Carré doux extra early flower on 2^(nd) flowering node) hâtif, Cupido, Fehér, Flaviano, Lito, Trophy) time of maturity early (Fehér, Lady Bell, medium Topgirl) *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 2 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Line SMO 28-1284 CHARACTERISTIC SMO 28-1284 Early Cal Wonder 1. Species C. annuum C. annuum 2. Maturity (in region of best adaptability) days from transplanting until 76 67 mature green stage days from transplanting until 110 85 mature red or yellow stage days from direct seeding until 102 104 mature green stage days from direct seeding until 136 122 mature red or yellow stage 3. Plant habit compact compact attitude upright/erect (De upright/erect Cayenne, Doux très long des Landes, Piquant d'Algérie) plant height 34.7 cm 40.9 cm plant width 37.7 cm 47.1 cm length of stem from cotyledon 6.5 cm 10.7 cm to first flower length of the third internode 42.1 mm 54 mm (from soil surface) length of stem short (Delphin, Trophy) medium shortened internode (in upper absent (California absent part) wonder, De Cayenne) length of internode (on primary medium (Dolmi, medium side shoots) (varieties without Florian, Órias) shortened internodes only) stem: hairiness of nodes absent or very weak absent or very weak (Arlequin) height tall (Century, Orias) medium basal branches none few branch flexibility willowy (Cayenne Long rigid Red) stem strength (breakage intermediate intermediate resistance) 4. Leaf length of blade medium (Atol, Blondy, medium Marconi, Merit, Anthea) width of blade narrow (De Cayenne, medium Pusztagold, Szentesi cseresznye) width 41.7 mm 60 mm length 68.4 mm 113.3 mm petiole length 23.4 mm 46 mm color dark green light green color (RHS color chart) 147A 147A intensity of green color dark (Dolmy, Tinto) light mature leaf shape ovate (Balico, Sonar) ovate leaf and stem pubescence absent absent undulation of margin weak (Doux très long absent des Landes) blistering weak (Pusztagold) weak profile in cross section strongly concave moderately concave (Slávy) glossiness medium (Alby, Eolo) medium 5. Flower peduncle: attitude semi-drooping (Blondy) erect flowers per leaf axil 1 1 calyx lobes 7 6 petals 7 6 diameter 20.3 mm 25.1 mm corolla color white white corolla throat markings yellow yellow anther color purple purple style length exceeds stamen same as stamen self-incompatibility present absent 6. Fruit group Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) color (before maturity) green (California green wonder, Lamuyo) intensity of color (before medium medium maturity) immature fruit color medium green medium green immature fruit color (RHS color 144A 137A chart) attitude/position erect/upright (Kalocsai drooping/pendent 601, Red Chili) length medium (Fehér, medium Lamuyo) diameter broad (Clovis, Lamuyo) broad ratio length/diameter very small (Liebesapfel, medium PAZ szentesi, Rotopa) calyx diameter 21.4 mm 32 mm fruit length 35 mm 80 mm fruit diameter at calyx 36.5 mm 70 mm attachment fruit diameter at mid-point 31.3 mm 80 mm flesh thickness at mid-point 3.9 mm 6 mm average number of fruits per 33 10 plant % large fruits 6 (weight range: 20 to 50 (weight range 140 25 g) to 199 g) % medium fruits 65 (weight range: 10 to 30 (weight range 80 to 19 g) 139 g) % small fruits 29 (weight range: 1 to 20 (weight range 20 to 9 g) 79 g) average fruit weight 10.3 gm 100 gm fruit shape (longitudinal trapezoidal (Delta, square section) Piperade) fruit shape (cross section, at circular (Cherry Sweet, quadrangular level of placenta) Doux très long des Landes) sinuation of pericarp at basal absent or very weak very weak part (Delphin, Kalocsai V-2, Milord) sinuation of pericarp excluding weak (Clovis, Sonar) very weak basal part texture of surface smooth or very slightly smooth or very wrinkled (Milord) slightly wrinkled color (at maturity) orange (Ariane) red intensity of color (at maturity) medium dark mature fruit color orange red mature fruit color (RHS color N30D 46A chart) glossiness medium/moderate medium/moderate (Carré doux extra hâtif, Lamuyo, Sonar) stalk cavity present (Bingor, absent Lamuyo) depth of stalk cavity very shallow (Flush, Kaméleon, Niagara) pedicel length 18 mm 20 mm pedicel thickness 4.2 mm 6 mm pedicel shape straight curved pedicel cavity present absent depth of pedicel cavity 8.5 mm stalk: length medium (Fehér, Sonar) medium stalk: thickness medium (Doux italien, medium Surpas base shape cupped cupped shape of apex moderately depressed very depressed (Quadrato a'Asti rosso) shape Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) set scattered scattered depth of interloculary grooves very shallow medium number of locules predominantly four and predominantly four more (Palio, PAZ and more szentesi) % fruits with three locules 30% 40% % fruits with four locules 70% 60% average number of locules 4 4 thickness of flesh medium (Fehér, thick Lamuyo) calyx: aspect non-enveloping/ non-enveloping/ saucer-shaped saucer-shaped (Lamuyo, Sonar) pungency hot sweet capsaicin in placenta present (De Cayenne) absent flavor strong pepper flavor moderate glossiness shiny shiny 7. Seed seed cavity length 25.8 mm 43 mm seed cavity diameter 22.8 mm 52 mm placenta length 9.5 mm 22 mm number of seeds per fruit 14 100 grams per 1000 seeds 9 gm 7.5 gm color yellow yellow 8. Anthocyanin seedling hypocotyl weak moderate stem strong absent coloration of nodes strong (California weak wonder) intensity of coloration of nodes strong (Piquant medium d'Algérie, Zarai) leaf absent absent pedicel absent absent calyx absent absent anther present (Lamuyo) present fruit coloration absent (Lamuyo) absent beginning of flowering (1^(st) late (Daniel, Piquant early flower on 2^(nd) flowering node) d'Algérie, Zingaro) time of maturity medium (Lamuyo, medium Latino, Sonar) *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 3 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Line SMO 99-1312 CHARACTERISTIC SMO 99-1312 Early Cal Wonder 1. Species C. annuum C. annuum 2. Maturity (in region of best adaptability) days from transplanting until 57 67 mature green stage days from transplanting until 103 85 mature red or yellow stage days from direct seeding until 83 104 mature green stage days from direct seeding until 129 122 mature red or yellow stage 3. Plant habit compact compact attitude upright/erect (De upright/erect Cayenne, Doux très long des Landes, Piquant d'Algérie) plant height 32.9 cm 40.9 cm plant width 40.3 cm 47.1 cm length of stem from cotyledon 10.7 cm 10.7 cm to first flower length of the third internode 58 mm 54 mm (from soil surface) length of stem medium (Belsir, medium Lamuyo) shortened internode (in upper present (Fehér, Kalocsai absent part) 601, Kalocsai 702) number of internodes between more than three the first flower and the (Kalocsai 702) shortened internodes (varieties with shortened internodes only) stem: hairiness of nodes absent or very weak absent or very weak (Arlequin) height tall (Century, Orias) medium basal branches none few branch flexibility willowy (Cayenne Long rigid Red) stem strength (breakage strong intermediate resistance) 4. Leaf length of blade short (De Cayenne, medium Szentesi cseresznye) width of blade narrow (De Cayenne, medium Pusztagold, Szentesi cseresznye) width 40.8 mm 60 mm length 71.8 mm 113.3 mm petiole length 30.9 mm 46 mm color medium green light green color (RHS color chart) 146A 147A intensity of green color medium (Doux très long light des Landes, Merit) mature leaf shape ovate (Balico, Sonar) ovate leaf and stem pubescence absent absent undulation of margin weak (Doux très long absent des Landes) blistering weak (Pusztagold) weak profile in cross section strongly concave moderately concave (Slávy) glossiness weak (De Cayenne, medium Doux très long des Landes) 5. Flower peduncle: attitude semi-drooping (Blondy) erect flowers per leaf axil 1 1 calyx lobes 7 6 petals 6 6 diameter 27.2 mm 25.1 mm corolla color white white corolla throat markings white yellow anther color purple purple style length exceeds stamen same as stamen self-incompatibility present absent 6. Fruit group Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) color (before maturity) green (California green wonder, Lamuyo) intensity of color (before medium medium maturity) immature fruit color medium green medium green immature fruit color (RHS color 143A 137A chart) attitude/position drooping/pendent (De drooping/pendent Cayenne, Lamuyo) length short (Delphin, Petit medium carré doux) diameter medium (Doux italien, broad Corno di toro) ratio length/diameter medium (Adra, Cherry medium Sweet, Daniel, Delphin, Edino) calyx diameter 26.2 mm 32 mm fruit length 76.9 mm 80 mm fruit diameter at calyx 50.9 mm 70 mm attachment fruit diameter at mid-point 45.5 mm 80 mm flesh thickness at mid-point 6.5 mm 6 mm average number of fruits per 24 10 plant % large fruits 9.50 (weight range: 60 50 (weight range 140 to 104 g) to 199 g) % medium fruits 60 (weight range: 20 to 30 (weight range 80 to 59 g) 139 g) % small fruits 30.50 (weight range: 10 20 (weight range 20 to to 19 g) 79 g) average fruit weight 37.3 gm 100 gm fruit shape (longitudinal rectangular (Clovis, square section) Nocera rosso) fruit shape (cross section, at angular/triangular quadrangular level of placenta) (Vinedale) sinuation of pericarp at basal weak (Donat) very weak part sinuation of pericarp excluding weak (Clovis, Sonar) very weak basal part texture of surface smooth or very slightly smooth or very wrinkled (Milord) slightly wrinkled color (at maturity) orange (Ariane) red intensity of color (at maturity) medium dark mature fruit color orange red mature fruit color (RHS color N30C 46A chart) glossiness strong (Doux italien, medium/moderate Trophy) stalk cavity present (Bingor, absent Lamuyo) depth of stalk cavity medium (Lamuyo, Magister) pedicel length 26.8 mm 20 mm pedicel thickness 8.4 mm 6 mm pedicel shape curved curved pedicel cavity present absent depth of pedicel cavity 21 mm stalk: length medium (Fehér, Sonar) medium stalk: thickness medium (Doux italien, medium Surpas base shape cupped cupped shape of apex moderately depressed very depressed (Quadrato a'Asti rosso) shape Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) Bell (Yolo Wonder L.) set concentrated scattered depth of interloculary grooves medium (Clovis, medium Lamuyo, Marconi) number of locules equally three and four predominantly four (Lamuyo, Sonar) and more % fruits with two locules  3.30%  0% % fruits with three locules 46.70% 40% % fruits with four locules 43.30% 60% % fruits with five or more  6.70%  0% locules average number of locules 3.5 4 thickness of flesh medium (Fehér, thick Lamuyo) calyx: aspect non-enveloping/ non-enveloping/ saucer-shaped saucer-shaped (Lamuyo, Sonar) pungency sweet sweet capsaicin in placenta absent (Sonar) absent flavor mild pepper flavor moderate glossiness moderate shiny 7. Seed seed cavity length 64.7 mm 43 mm seed cavity diameter 38.2 mm 52 mm placenta length 14.5 mm 22 mm number of seeds per fruit 207 100 grams per 1000 seeds 4.4 gm 7.5 gm color yellow yellow 8. Anthocyanin seedling hypocotyl weak moderate stem absent absent coloration of nodes weak weak intensity of coloration of nodes weak (California medium wonder, Clio, Doux d'Espagne, Dous très long des Landes, Golden calwonder) leaf absent absent pedicel absent absent calyx absent absent anther present (Lamuyo) present fruit coloration absent (Lamuyo) absent beginning of flowering (1^(st) early (Carré doux extra early flower on 2^(nd) flowering node) hâtif, Cupido, Fehér, Flaviano, Lito, Trophy) time of maturity medium (Lamuyo, medium Latino, Sonar) *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention.

C. Breeding Pepper Plants

One aspect of the current invention concerns methods for producing seed of pepper hybrid PS09967422 involving crossing pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the invention, hybrid PS09967422, line SMO 28-1284, or line SMO 99-1312 may be crossed with itself or with any second plant. Such methods can be used for propagation of hybrid PS09967422 and/or the pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312, or can be used to produce plants that are derived from hybrid PS09967422 and/or the pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312. Plants derived from hybrid PS09967422 and/or the pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 may be used, in certain embodiments, for the development of new pepper varieties.

The development of new varieties using one or more starting varieties is well known in the art. In accordance with the invention, novel varieties may be created by crossing hybrid PS09967422 followed by multiple generations of breeding according to such well known methods. New varieties may be created by crossing with any second plant. In selecting such a second plant to cross for the purpose of developing novel lines, it may be desired to choose those plants which either themselves exhibit one or more selected desirable characteristics or which exhibit the desired characteristic(s) when in hybrid combination. Once initial crosses have been made, inbreeding and selection take place to produce new varieties. For development of a uniform line, often five or more generations of selfing and selection are involved.

Uniform lines of new varieties may also be developed by way of double-haploids. This technique allows the creation of true breeding lines without the need for multiple generations of selfing and selection. In this manner true breeding lines can be produced in as little as one generation. Haploid embryos may be produced from microspores, pollen, anther cultures, or ovary cultures. The haploid embryos may then be doubled autonomously, or by chemical treatments (e.g. colchicine treatment). Alternatively, haploid embryos may be grown into haploid plants and treated to induce chromosome doubling. In either case, fertile homozygous plants are obtained. In accordance with the invention, any of such techniques may be used in connection with a plant of the invention and progeny thereof to achieve a homozygous line.

Backcrossing can also be used to improve an inbred plant. Backcrossing transfers a specific desirable trait from one inbred or non-inbred source to an inbred that lacks that trait. This can be accomplished, for example, by first crossing a superior inbred (A) (recurrent parent) to a donor inbred (non-recurrent parent), which carries the appropriate locus or loci for the trait in question. The progeny of this cross are then mated back to the superior recurrent parent (A) followed by selection in the resultant progeny for the desired trait to be transferred from the non-recurrent parent. After five or more backcross generations with selection for the desired trait, the progeny have the characteristic being transferred, but are like the superior parent for most or almost all other loci. The last backcross generation would be selfed to give pure breeding progeny for the trait being transferred.

The plants of the present invention are particularly well suited for the development of new lines based on the elite nature of the genetic background of the plants. In selecting a second plant to cross with PS09967422 and/or pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 for the purpose of developing novel pepper lines, it will typically be preferred to choose those plants which either themselves exhibit one or more selected desirable characteristics or which exhibit the desired characteristic(s) when in hybrid combination. Examples of desirable traits may include, in specific embodiments, high seed yield, high seed germination, seedling vigor, high fruit yield, disease tolerance or resistance, and adaptability for soil and climate conditions. Consumer-driven traits, such as a fruit shape, color, texture, and taste are other examples of traits that may be incorporated into new lines of pepper plants developed by this invention.

D. Performance Characteristics

As described above, hybrid PS09967422 exhibits desirable traits, as conferred by pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312. The performance characteristics of hybrid PS09967422 and pepper lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 were the subject of an objective analysis of the performance traits relative to other varieties. The results of the analysis are presented below.

TABLE 4 Performance Characteristics for Hybrid PS09967422 Highly resistant to Races 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 Bacterial 3 and leaf spot 4-lobe (Xanthomonas Highly resistant to blocky Variety Source euvesicatoria) Tobamovirus (P0) shape PS09967422 Monsanto Yes Yes Yes Yummy mix Seedway No No No

TABLE 5 Performance Characteristics for Pepper Line SMO 99-1312 Resistance to Races 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 Resistance to Resistance to Fruit Size & Fruit Xanthomonas Bs₂ Tobamo virus L₁ Tobacco pvr2-2 Variety Weight Color euvesicatoria gene (P0) gene etch virus gene SMO 99- very small “mini”; orange resistant yes resistant yes resistant yes 1312 approximately 60 g Early larger; up to red susceptible no susceptible no susceptible no California 150-200 g Wonder

TABLE 5 Performance Characteristics for Lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 and a Comparison Variety Variety Fruit Size & Weight Fruit Color SMO 28-1284 very small “mini”; orange approximately 60 g Early California Wonder larger; up to 150-200 g red

E. Further Embodiments of the Invention

In certain aspects of the invention, plants described herein are provided modified to include at least a first desired heritable trait. Such plants may, in one embodiment, be developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing, wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a variety are recovered in addition to a genetic locus transferred into the plant via the backcrossing technique. The term single locus converted plant as used herein refers to those pepper plants which are developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing, wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a variety are recovered in addition to the single locus transferred into the variety via the backcrossing technique. By essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics, it is meant that the characteristics of a plant are recovered that are otherwise present when compared in the same environment, other than an occasional variant trait that might arise during backcrossing or direct introduction of a transgene.

Backcrossing methods can be used with the present invention to improve or introduce a characteristic into the present variety. The parental pepper plant which contributes the locus for the desired characteristic is termed the nonrecurrent or donor parent. This terminology refers to the fact that the nonrecurrent parent is used one time in the backcross protocol and therefore does not recur. The parental pepper plant to which the locus or loci from the nonrecurrent parent are transferred is known as the recurrent parent as it is used for several rounds in the backcrossing protocol.

In a typical backcross protocol, the original variety of interest (recurrent parent) is crossed to a second variety (nonrecurrent parent) that carries the single locus of interest to be transferred. The resulting progeny from this cross are then crossed again to the recurrent parent and the process is repeated until a pepper plant is obtained wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of the recurrent parent are recovered in the converted plant, in addition to the single transferred locus from the nonrecurrent parent.

The selection of a suitable recurrent parent is an important step for a successful backcrossing procedure. The goal of a backcross protocol is to alter or substitute a single trait or characteristic in the original variety. To accomplish this, a single locus of the recurrent variety is modified or substituted with the desired locus from the nonrecurrent parent, while retaining essentially all of the rest of the desired genetic, and therefore the desired physiological and morphological constitution of the original variety. The choice of the particular nonrecurrent parent will depend on the purpose of the backcross; one of the major purposes is to add some commercially desirable trait to the plant. The exact backcrossing protocol will depend on the characteristic or trait being altered and the genetic distance between the recurrent and nonrecurrent parents. Although backcrossing methods are simplified when the characteristic being transferred is a dominant allele, a recessive allele, or an additive allele (between recessive and dominant), may also be transferred. In this instance it may be necessary to introduce a test of the progeny to determine if the desired characteristic has been successfully transferred.

In one embodiment, progeny pepper plants of a backcross in which a plant described herein is the recurrent parent comprise (i) the desired trait from the non-recurrent parent and (ii) all of the physiological and morphological characteristics of pepper the recurrent parent as determined at the 5% significance level when grown in the same environmental conditions.

New varieties can also be developed from more than two parents. The technique, known as modified backcrossing, uses different recurrent parents during the backcrossing. Modified backcrossing may be used to replace the original recurrent parent with a variety having certain more desirable characteristics or multiple parents may be used to obtain different desirable characteristics from each.

Many single locus traits have been identified that are not regularly selected for in the development of a new inbred but that can be improved by backcrossing techniques. Single locus traits may or may not be transgenic; examples of these traits include, but are not limited to, herbicide resistance, resistance to bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, insect resistance, modified fatty acid or carbohydrate metabolism, and altered nutritional quality. These comprise genes generally inherited through the nucleus.

Direct selection may be applied where the single locus acts as a dominant trait. For this selection process, the progeny of the initial cross are assayed for viral resistance and/or the presence of the corresponding gene prior to the backcrossing. Selection eliminates any plants that do not have the desired gene and resistance trait, and only those plants that have the trait are used in the subsequent backcross. This process is then repeated for all additional backcross generations.

Selection of pepper plants for breeding is not necessarily dependent on the phenotype of a plant and instead can be based on genetic investigations. For example, one can utilize a suitable genetic marker which is closely genetically linked to a trait of interest. One of these markers can be used to identify the presence or absence of a trait in the offspring of a particular cross, and can be used in selection of progeny for continued breeding. This technique is commonly referred to as marker assisted selection. Any other type of genetic marker or other assay which is able to identify the relative presence or absence of a trait of interest in a plant can also be useful for breeding purposes. Procedures for marker assisted selection are well known in the art. Such methods will be of particular utility in the case of recessive traits and variable phenotypes, or where conventional assays may be more expensive, time consuming or otherwise disadvantageous. Types of genetic markers which could be used in accordance with the invention include, but are not necessarily limited to, Simple Sequence Length Polymorphisms (SSLPs) (Williams et al., 1990), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), Arbitrary Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) (EP 534 858, specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (Wang et al., 1998).

F. Plants Derived by Genetic Engineering

Many useful traits that can be introduced by backcrossing, as well as directly into a plant, are those which are introduced by genetic transformation techniques. Genetic transformation may therefore be used to insert a selected transgene into a plant of the invention or may, alternatively, be used for the preparation of transgenes which can be introduced by backcrossing. Methods for the transformation of plants that are well known to those of skill in the art and applicable to many crop species include, but are not limited to, electroporation, microprojectile bombardment, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and direct DNA uptake by protoplasts.

To effect transformation by electroporation, one may employ either friable tissues, such as a suspension culture of cells or embryogenic callus or alternatively one may transform immature embryos or other organized tissue directly. In this technique, one would partially degrade the cell walls of the chosen cells by exposing them to pectin-degrading enzymes (pectolyases) or mechanically wound tissues in a controlled manner.

An efficient method for delivering transforming DNA segments to plant cells is microprojectile bombardment. In this method, particles are coated with nucleic acids and delivered into cells by a propelling force. Exemplary particles include those comprised of tungsten, platinum, and preferably, gold. For the bombardment, cells in suspension are concentrated on filters or solid culture medium. Alternatively, immature embryos or other target cells may be arranged on solid culture medium. The cells to be bombarded are positioned at an appropriate distance below the macroprojectile stopping plate.

An illustrative embodiment of a method for delivering DNA into plant cells by acceleration is the Biolistics Particle Delivery System, which can be used to propel particles coated with DNA or cells through a screen, such as a stainless steel or Nytex screen, onto a surface covered with target cells. The screen disperses the particles so that they are not delivered to the recipient cells in large aggregates. Microprojectile bombardment techniques are widely applicable, and may be used to transform virtually any plant species.

Agrobacterium-mediated transfer is another widely applicable system for introducing gene loci into plant cells. An advantage of the technique is that DNA can be introduced into whole plant tissues, thereby bypassing the need for regeneration of an intact plant from a protoplast. Modern Agrobacterium transformation vectors are capable of replication in E. coli as well as Agrobacterium, allowing for convenient manipulations (Klee et al., 1985). Moreover, recent technological advances in vectors for Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer have improved the arrangement of genes and restriction sites in the vectors to facilitate the construction of vectors capable of expressing various polypeptide coding genes. The vectors described have convenient multi-linker regions flanked by a promoter and a polyadenylation site for direct expression of inserted polypeptide coding genes. Additionally, Agrobacterium containing both armed and disarmed Ti genes can be used for transformation.

In those plant strains where Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is efficient, it is the method of choice because of the facile and defined nature of the gene locus transfer. The use of Agrobacterium-mediated plant integrating vectors to introduce DNA into plant cells is well known in the art (Fraley et al., 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,055).

Transformation of plant protoplasts also can be achieved using methods based on calcium phosphate precipitation, polyethylene glycol treatment, electroporation, and combinations of these treatments (see, e.g., Potrykus et al., 1985; Omirulleh et al., 1993; Fromm et al., 1986; Uchimiya et al., 1986; Marcotte et al., 1988). Transformation of plants and expression of foreign genetic elements is exemplified in Choi et al. (1994), and Ellul et al. (2003).

A number of promoters have utility for plant gene expression for any gene of interest including but not limited to selectable markers, scoreable markers, genes for pest tolerance, disease resistance, nutritional enhancements and any other gene of agronomic interest. Examples of constitutive promoters useful for plant gene expression include, but are not limited to, the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) P-35S promoter, which confers constitutive, high-level expression in most plant tissues (see, e.g., Odel et al., 1985), including in monocots (see, e.g., Dekeyser et al., 1990; Terada and Shimamoto, 1990); a tandemly duplicated version of the CaMV 35S promoter, the enhanced 35S promoter (P-e35S); 1 the nopaline synthase promoter (An et al., 1988); the octopine synthase promoter (Fromm et al., 1989); and the figwort mosaic virus (P-FMV) promoter as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,619 and an enhanced version of the FMV promoter (P-eFMV) where the promoter sequence of P-FMV is duplicated in tandem; the cauliflower mosaic virus 19S promoter; a sugarcane bacilliform virus promoter; a commelina yellow mottle virus promoter; and other plant DNA virus promoters known to express in plant cells.

A variety of plant gene promoters that are regulated in response to environmental, hormonal, chemical, and/or developmental signals can also be used for expression of an operably linked gene in plant cells, including promoters regulated by (1) heat (Callis et al., 1988), (2) light (e.g., pea rbcS-3A promoter, Kuhlemeier et al., 1989; maize rbcS promoter, Schaffner and Sheen, 1991; or chlorophyll a/b-binding protein promoter, Simpson et al., 1985), (3) hormones, such as abscisic acid (Marcotte et al., 1989), (4) wounding (e.g., wunl, Siebertz et al., 1989); or (5) chemicals such as methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, or Safener. It may also be advantageous to employ organ-specific promoters (e.g., Roshal et al., 1987; Schernthaner et al., 1988; Bustos et al., 1989).

Exemplary nucleic acids which may be introduced to plants of this invention include, for example, DNA sequences or genes from another species, or even genes or sequences which originate with or are present in the same species, but are incorporated into recipient cells by genetic engineering methods rather than classical reproduction or breeding techniques. However, the term “exogenous” is also intended to refer to genes that are not normally present in the cell being transformed, or perhaps simply not present in the form, structure, etc., as found in the transforming DNA segment or gene, or genes which are normally present and that one desires to express in a manner that differs from the natural expression pattern, e.g., to over-express. Thus, the term “exogenous” gene or DNA is intended to refer to any gene or DNA segment that is introduced into a recipient cell, regardless of whether a similar gene may already be present in such a cell. The type of DNA included in the exogenous DNA can include DNA which is already present in the plant cell, DNA from another plant, DNA from a different organism, or a DNA generated externally, such as a DNA sequence containing an antisense message of a gene, or a DNA sequence encoding a synthetic or modified version of a gene.

Many hundreds if not thousands of different genes are known and could potentially be introduced into a pepper plant according to the invention. Non-limiting examples of particular genes and corresponding phenotypes one may choose to introduce into a pepper plant include one or more genes for insect tolerance, such as a Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) gene, pest tolerance such as genes for fungal disease control, herbicide tolerance such as genes conferring glyphosate tolerance, and genes for quality improvements such as yield, nutritional enhancements, environmental or stress tolerances, or any desirable changes in plant physiology, growth, development, morphology or plant product(s). For example, structural genes would include any gene that confers insect tolerance including but not limited to a Bacillus insect control protein gene as described in WO 99/31248, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,052, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,500,365 and 5,880,275, herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In another embodiment, the structural gene can confer tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate as conferred by genes including, but not limited to Agrobacterium strain CP4 glyphosate resistant EPSPS gene (aroA:CP4) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,435, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, or glyphosate oxidoreductase gene (GOX) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,175, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Alternatively, the DNA coding sequences can affect these phenotypes by encoding a non-translatable RNA molecule that causes the targeted inhibition of expression of an endogenous gene, for example via antisense- or cosuppression-mediated mechanisms (see, for example, Bird et al., 1991). The RNA could also be a catalytic RNA molecule (i.e., a ribozyme) engineered to cleave a desired endogenous mRNA product (see for example, Gibson and Shillito, 1997). Thus, any gene which produces a protein or mRNA which expresses a phenotype or morphology change of interest is useful for the practice of the present invention.

G. Definitions

In the description and tables herein, a number of terms are used. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, the following definitions are provided:

Allele: Any of one or more alternative forms of a gene locus, all of which alleles relate to one trait or characteristic. In a diploid cell or organism, the two alleles of a given gene occupy corresponding loci on a pair of homologous chromosomes.

Backcrossing: A process in which a breeder repeatedly crosses hybrid progeny, for example a first generation hybrid (F₁), back to one of the parents of the hybrid progeny. Backcrossing can be used to introduce one or more single locus conversions from one genetic background into another.

Crossing: The mating of two parent plants.

Cross-pollination: Fertilization by the union of two gametes from different plants.

Diploid: A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes.

Emasculate: The removal of plant male sex organs or the inactivation of the organs with a cytoplasmic or nuclear genetic factor or a chemical agent conferring male sterility.

Enzymes: Molecules which can act as catalysts in biological reactions.

F₁ Hybrid: The first generation progeny of the cross of two nonisogenic plants.

Genotype: The genetic constitution of a cell or organism.

Haploid: A cell or organism having one set of the two sets of chromosomes in a diploid.

Linkage: A phenomenon wherein alleles on the same chromosome tend to segregate together more often than expected by chance if their transmission was independent.

Marker: A readily detectable phenotype, preferably inherited in codominant fashion (both alleles at a locus in a diploid heterozygote are readily detectable), with no environmental variance component, i.e., heritability of 1.

Phenotype: The detectable characteristics of a cell or organism, which characteristics are the manifestation of gene expression.

Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL): Quantitative trait loci (QTL) refer to genetic loci that control to some degree numerically representable traits that are usually continuously distributed.

Resistance: As used herein, the terms “resistance” and “tolerance” are used interchangeably to describe plants that show no symptoms to a specified biotic pest, pathogen, abiotic influence or environmental condition. These terms are also used to describe plants showing some symptoms but that are still able to produce marketable product with an acceptable yield. Some plants that are referred to as resistant or tolerant are only so in the sense that they may still produce a crop, even though the plants are stunted and the yield is reduced.

Regeneration: The development of a plant from tissue culture.

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) color chart value: The RHS color chart is a standardized reference which allows accurate identification of any color. A color's designation on the chart describes its hue, brightness and saturation. A color is precisely named by the RHS color chart by identifying the group name, sheet number and letter, e.g., Yellow-Orange Group 19A or Red Group 41B.

Self-pollination: The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of the same plant.

Single Locus Converted (Conversion) Plant: Plants which are developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing, wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a pepper variety are recovered in addition to the characteristics of the single locus transferred into the variety via the backcrossing technique and/or by genetic transformation.

Substantially Equivalent: A characteristic that, when compared, does not show a statistically significant difference (e.g., p=0.05) from the mean.

Tissue Culture: A composition comprising isolated cells of the same or a different type or a collection of such cells organized into parts of a plant.

Transgene: A genetic locus comprising a sequence which has been introduced into the genome of a pepper plant by transformation.

H. Deposit Information

A deposit of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and inbred parent lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312, disclosed above and recited in the claims, has been made with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209. The date of deposit were Dec. 1, 2010, May 26, 2009, and Dec. 1, 2010. The accession numbers for those deposited seeds of pepper hybrid PS09967422 and inbred parent lines SMO 28-1284 and SMO 99-1312 are ATCC Accession No. PTA-11511, ATCC Accession No. PTA-10077, and ATCC Accession No. PTA-11515, respectively. Upon issuance of a patent, all restrictions upon the deposits will be removed, and the deposits are intended to meet all of the requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.801-1.809. The deposits will be maintained in the depository for a period of 30 years, or 5 years after the last request, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if necessary during that period.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the invention, as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

All references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCES

The following references, to the extent that they provide exemplary procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, are specifically incorporated herein by reference:

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1. A pepper plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper line SMO 28-1284 or pepper line SMO 99-1312, a sample of seed of said lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-10077, and ATCC Accession Number PTA-11515, respectively.
 2. A seed comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper line SMO 28-1284 or pepper line SMO 99-1312, a sample of seed of said lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-10077, and ATCC Accession Number PTA-11515, respectively.
 3. The plant of claim 1, which is inbred.
 4. The plant of claim 1, which is hybrid.
 5. The plant of claim 4, wherein the hybrid plant is pepper hybrid PS09967422, a sample of seed of said hybrid PS09967422 having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-11511.
 6. The plant of claim 1, wherein the plant is a plant of line SMO 28-1284 or line SMO 99-1312.
 7. A plant part of the plant of claim
 1. 8. The plant part of claim 7, further defined as a leaf, a ovule, pollen, a fruit, or a cell.
 9. A pepper plant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the pepper plant of claim
 5. 10. A pepper plant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the pepper plant of claim
 6. 11. A tissue culture of regenerable cells of the plant of claim
 1. 12. The tissue culture according to claim 11, comprising cells or protoplasts from a plant part selected from the group consisting of embryos, meristems, cotyledons, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, pistil, flower, seed and stalks.
 13. A pepper plant regenerated from the tissue culture of claim
 12. 14. A method of vegetatively propagating the plant of claim 1 comprising the steps of: (a) collecting tissue capable of being propagated from a plant according to claim 1; (b) cultivating said tissue to obtain proliferated shoots; and (c) rooting said proliferated shoots to obtain rooted plantlets.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising growing at least a first plant from said rooted plantlets.
 16. A method of introducing a desired trait into a pepper line comprising: (a) crossing a plant of line SMO 28-1284 or SMO 99-1312 with a second pepper plant that comprises a desired trait to produce F1 progeny, a sample of seed of said lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-10077, and ATCC Accession Number PTA-11515, respectively; (b) selecting an F1 progeny that comprises the desired trait; (c) backcrossing the selected F1 progeny with a plant of line SMO 28-1284 or SMO 99-1312 to produce backcross progeny; (d) selecting backcross progeny comprising the desired trait and the physiological and morphological characteristic of pepper line SMO 28-1284 or SMO 99-1312; and (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) three or more times to produce selected fourth or higher backcross progeny that comprise the desired trait.
 17. A pepper plant produced by the method of claim
 16. 18. A method of producing a plant comprising an added trait, the method comprising introducing a transgene conferring the trait into a plant of hybrid PS09967422, line SMO 28-1284 or line SMO 99-1312, a sample of seed of said hybrid and lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-11511, ATCC Accession Number PTA-10077, and ATCC Accession Number PTA-11515, respectively.
 19. A plant produced by the method of claim
 18. 20. The plant of claim 1, comprising a transgene.
 21. The plant of claim 20, wherein the transgene confers a trait selected from the group consisting of male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, modified fatty acid metabolism, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydrate metabolism and modified protein metabolism.
 22. The plant of claim 1, comprising a single locus conversion.
 23. The plant of claim 22, wherein the single locus conversion confers a trait selected from the group consisting of male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, modified fatty acid metabolism, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydrate metabolism and modified protein metabolism.
 24. A method for producing a seed of a plant derived from at least one of hybrid PS09967422, line SMO 28-1284 or line SMO 99-1312 comprising the steps of: (a) crossing a pepper plant of hybrid PS09967422, line SMO 28-1284 or line SMO 99-1312 with itself or a second pepper plant; a sample of seed of said hybrid and lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-11511, ATCC Accession Number PTA-10077, and ATCC Accession Number PTA-11515, respectively; and (b) allowing seed of a hybrid PS09967422, line SMO 28-1284 or line SMO 99-1312-derived pepper plant to form.
 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the steps of: (c) selfing a plant grown from said hybrid PS09967422, SMO 28-1284 or SMO 99-1312-derived pepper seed to yield additional hybrid PS09967422, line SMO 28-1284 or line SMO 99-1312-derived pepper seed; (d) growing said additional hybrid PS09967422, line SMO 28-1284 or line SMO 99-1312-derived pepper seed of step (c) to yield additional hybrid PS09967422, line SMO 28-1284 or line SMO 99-1312-derived pepper plants; and (e) repeating the crossing and growing steps of (c) and (d) to generate at least a first further hybrid PS09967422, line SMO 28-1284 or line SMO 99-1312-derived pepper plant.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the second pepper plant is of an inbred pepper line.
 27. The method of claim 24, comprising crossing line SMO 28-1284 with line SMO 99-1312, a sample of seed of said lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-10077, and ATCC Accession Number PTA-11515, respectively.
 28. The method of claim 25, further comprising: (f) crossing the further hybrid PS09967422, SMO 28-1284 or SMO 99-1312-derived pepper plant with a second pepper plant to produce seed of a hybrid progeny plant.
 29. A hybrid seed produced by the method of claim
 27. 30. A plant produced by growing the seed of claim
 27. 31. A plant part of the plant of claim
 30. 32. The plant part of claim 31, further defined as a leaf, a flower, a fruit, an ovule, pollen, or a cell.
 33. A method of producing a pepper seed comprising crossing the plant of claim 1 with itself or a second pepper plant and allowing seed to form.
 34. A method of producing a pepper fruit comprising: (a) obtaining a plant according to claim 1, wherein the plant has been cultivated to maturity; and (b) collecting a pepper from the plant. 